Breast Cancer.  A life changing experience that many men and women take upon themselves, to go through alone. It is a harsh and terrifying reality, to say the least.

Because of this, student Rosanna Clark has put together two scholarships, the first of its kind. The Rosanna D. Clark Breast Cancer Scholarship Awards will be two different scholarships. One is a scholarship for someone who is undergoing treatment, and the other for a breast cancer survivor.

The formal event will take place October 12 at about 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the gym. The event is sponsored by LMCAS and was inspired by breast cancer survivor Rosanna Clark because she believes that no one should have to go through the fight alone.

The event will begin with a continental breakfast, as the committee is still deciding on what to serve based upon funding.

A lunch will also be provided for attendees, along with advice from nutritionists, surgeons and gynecologists. Two support groups will be present for community members and LMC students and staff. A door prize is offered for all attendees and is you wear pink, an extra ticket will be given. Attendees will also have the opportunity to make donations.

The purpose of the event is to educate individuals about breast cancer, the process and prevention of the condition, along with providing support and resources on the issue.

“People don’t know that a life changing process can occur once your life is in jeopardy,” said Clark.

In 2007 Clark went to her doctor for a routine check up and left to proceed with her to-do list. She was on her way to the gym when she received a call back from her doctor’s office.

“I asked if I could come later and they told me that I needed to go now.”

Clark was confused and did what the doctor said.

“You have breast cancer,” said the doctor.

Taken back, Clark chose keep this information to herself.

“My mother and sister are breast cancer survivors, but every one’s fight is different,” said Clark.

Despite her mother’s worried reaction, Clark took a positive route on dealing with her breast cancer. She continued to live as she did, and fought back.

She said that she “had to be positive and not complain about it. No one knew that I was sick.”

After 36 rounds of radiation and four rounds of chemotherapy, Clark was free of her breast cancer in about one year.

Returning to LMC was a challenge for her.

“I was intimidated by math, I hadn’t taken it for 30 years,”

Clark passed her math 27 class with an A and currently maintains a 3.9 GPA.

The Liberal Arts major has been gathering information and ideas for the scholarship since last October along with the help of fellow student, Elena Egan-Caceres.

Egen-Caceres, a Political Science major, is in charge of the media aspects for the organization. She became involved because of a close friend who had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

She is also helping with the fundraising needed for the event.

“Fliers for Panda Express are posted around both the LMC Pittsburg and Brentwood campuses,” Egan-Caceres said.

20 percent of student profits will be donated to the scholarships by Panda Express. Present the flier April 19 at 2120 Railroad Avenue Suite 4 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Future fundraisers will include Jamba Juice, See’s Candy and pizza sales on campus.

All proceeds from the fundraisers go strictly towards the scholarships.

The organization is in need of about 40-60 volunteers for both the event and help with fundraising.

“The more the better. That means new connections and new ideas. Students from other clubs are required to do community service and we will count their help as community service,” Clark said.

To inquire about volunteering, email Clark at [email protected].

Clark’s experience is what keeps her driven on the issue. She feels that she was kept on this Earth to help someone just as she was helped along her journey.

“If you can help someone, do it. You don’t have to fight alone.” Clark said.